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Safety Week: LIGHTNING

Welcome to Rush Management and Safety Week. Rush is dedicating seven consecutive articles, one per day, to be posted on the web regarding Risk Management and Safety. This is article 3 of 7.

This article relating to Risk Management and Safety deals with our athletes out on the field. Apart from general field conditions, glass, potholes, main holes, rapid dogs, angry birds, the focus is on lighting. An average of 54 people (http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/fatalities.htm) get struck by lightning every year resulting in death and 10 times that number result in injury. That is 540 people.

If you are going to a game or training outdoors, or if you're caught in severe weather while outside, you should have a plan to protect yourself and your family. Here are some lightning safety tips:

-- If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck. Seek a sturdy shelter immediately.

-- If you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm in an open area, do not allow yourself to be the tallest object.

Coaches, and parents for that matter, get your kids out of danger. If there is any question, err to caution. The summer season is more susceptible to lightning strikes, with July being the worst month. Have a look at our (Lightning Policies 625 13).